The Power of a Grateful Church
Salt and Light Newsletter
November 12, 2025
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Pastor’s Thoughts
The Power of a Grateful Church
This week feels especially meaningful for our church family. Tomorrow night we will gather for the Foundations of Freedom Banquet, an evening that will help shape the future of our academy and the children God has called us to reach. Then, just a couple of days later, we will sit around the tables again, this time not to ask, but simply to give thanks together as a family of faith. I cannot help but see the connection between these two gatherings. Gratitude and generosity always walk hand in hand.
In Luke 17 we read about ten lepers who cried out to Jesus for mercy. All ten were healed, yet only one came back to thank Him. The others received healing, but the thankful one received something deeper. Jesus said, “Your faith has made you well.” Thanksgiving did not just change his circumstance; it transformed his heart. When we give thanks, we are not merely acknowledging what God has done. We are inviting Him to do even more within us.
I once read about a small congregation that found itself struggling. Attendance had dwindled, the roof leaked, and the offering plates were often light. One Sunday the pastor asked everyone to stop talking about what was broken and start thanking God for what still worked. They began to thank Him for each other, for the Bibles in their hands, and for the children still learning about Jesus in their little classrooms. Gratitude began to shift the atmosphere. Before long, new people began showing up and unexpected resources began arriving. What changed was not their budget, but their spirit. Gratitude turned their gathering into a place of revival.
Psalm 100:4 tells us to “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise.” Thanksgiving is not a polite response after God moves; it is the doorway through which His presence comes. A thankful church creates an environment where God delights to dwell. And when His presence fills a place, giving becomes a joy, worship becomes natural, and unity becomes strong.
As we gather around banquet tables and fellowship tables this week, I pray that our hearts will overflow with gratitude for what God has already done and what He is yet to do. Every plate of food, every chair filled, and every child learning under our roof is evidence of His faithfulness. Let us not take any of it for granted. Let us be a people who give thanks freely and give generously because both flow from the same place, a heart that sees God’s hand in everything.
When a church becomes truly grateful, it becomes unstoppable. Gratitude opens our eyes, softens our hearts, and strengthens our witness. May we be that church, a people marked by thankfulness, generosity, and joy.
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Church Happenings
Wednesday Night – November 12
Dinner Will Not Be Served Tonight due to preparations for the school banquet on Thursday evening. We will be back next Wednesday, November 19th.
7:00 PM – Nursery, Children’s, Middle and High School Groups - Lower Level
4th Quarter Business Meeting - Sanctuary
Bible Study | Romans - Sanctuary
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Thanksgiving Food Drive – Final Collection Tonight - November 12
Salt & Light is providing Thanksgiving meals to 30 families in need in our community on Saturday, November 15.
Please place donations on the hospitality counter near the Coffee Bar in the Upper Lobby.
If you have a large donation to drop off at the Food Pantry please contact Courtney Day 502-648-5447 _________________________________________________________
Foundations of Freedom Benefit Dinner - Thursday November 13th
There are still a few tickets available to reserve here
Please pray that God will bless the efforts of the leadership team and every person who will be a part of this special evening. All Glory to God for what He is doing through Salt and Light Academy.
Volunteers are needed to serve in a variety of areas. Please register to serve here.
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Prayer Meeting - Friday November 14 | 7 PM | Sanctuary
Come together for a time of prayer for our church, families, and country. _________________________________________________________
Thanksgiving Dinner - Saturday, November 15 | 6 PM Salt & Light
A special evening to gather over a potluck meal, fellowship, and give thanks with our church family.
Sign Up Here to serve and for the food you will bring.
All food will need to be in foil pans the church will provide.
Pans will be available for pick up from the hospitality counter in the Upper Lobby after service tonight.
Please take a pan for each dish you are preparing.
Please bring your prepared food to the dinner in the provided pan hot and ready to serve. The church is providing serving spoons and utensils.
Please note: we cannot accommodate crock pots.
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This Sunday – November 16 | 11 AM
The Real House of David – Part I: The Rise of David
Message: 2 Samuel 3 - How Can He Do No Wrong?
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Night of Worship and Thanksgiving - Wednesday, Nov 19 | 7 PM Sanctuary
We may even have a Christmas carol or two.
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Titus 2 Women’s Ministry - Thursday, November 20 | 7–9 PM Upper Lobby
Preparation for the Holidays - Come for an evening of fun and fellowship as we discuss tips
and tricks for enjoying the Holiday season to the fullest!
Bring your favorite holiday appetizer and the recipe to share along with heartfelt thoughts about
making the most of your holiday season.
Future Dates in 2026 - January 29, February 26, March 26, April 2
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Decking the Halls for Christmas
Sunday, November 23 12:30-2:30 PM & Saturday, November 29 9 AM-Noon
It's time to get into the Christmas spirit!!
Sunday, November 23rd - Stay after the service to put up Christmas trees and string the trees and skywalks with lights.
Saturday, November 29 - 9 AM-12 PM - Decorate the trees.
Come one or both days and be a part of preparing our church building for the celebration of the birth of Jesus, our Lord & Savior!
Sign Up Here to let the Event ministry know you’ll be there to help!!
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Salt and Light Academy Fundraiser at Texas Roadhouse - Monday, November 24 | 4-9 PM
Only at 5005 Shelbyville Rd - St. Matthews Location
Tell your server you are there for Salt and Light Academy and 10% of your total food purchases
will be donated to Salt and Light Academy.
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Coat Drive - Collecting through December 7
Salt & Light is collecting new and gently used, clean, warm coats, hats, gloves and scarves for the children, teens and adults at Good News Homes.
Please place in the labeled bins at the church entrances through Sunday, December 7th.
Questions? Text Sally Moriarty 502-216-3868 _________________________________________________________
The Bible and The Constitution of The United States of America
Sundays through December 21 | 10 - 10:50 AM Upper Lobby
Studying the vital role of the Bible in American History as outlined in this book.
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Women of the Word Bible Study- Tuesdays | 9:45-11:30 AM
at Sharon Holbert’s Home Questions? Contact Sharon 502-235-6687 _________________________________________________________
Salt & Light Cookbook
As you prepare food for the holidays, please submit your favorite recipes for the cookbook being compiled. We would love to have at least one recipe from each family!
When completed, the cookbooks will be sold with the proceeds going to the church.
Please email your favorite recipe(s) and a favorite scripture for each recipe - along with a photo of the completed dish, if possible - by December 31 to Ashley Mazzoni at Ash.82Mazzoni@gmail.com
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Youth Camp - June 12–16, 2026
5 days of fun and fellowship—lake swimming, staying up late, eating too many snow cones, and most importantly, growing in God’s Word.
Students 12 years old (by June 12 and have completed 6th grade) through high school may attend.
A $5 registration fee is required to hold your spot.
Total cost is $400 per student - $75 is due February 16th and the remaining balance of $325 is due May 18th. All camp payments are non-refundable.
Register Here
If the cost of camp is a hindrance to your student’s attendance, please see Paul Thomas or email Youth@SaltandLightKy.org
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Young Adults | Next Chapter (Ages 18-31)
For anyone around 18–31 who wants to stay connected, build friendships, and grow in faith together.
Signal Group - to request to join and stay in the loop or with questions - text Joshua Rieth 502-230-6629 or Kaiden Perrodin 502-663-3681
Bible Study - Sundays | 10:05 - 10:45 AM - Meets near the Library
Currently studying Colossians
Questions? Email Cheri Grinnell - Cheri@SaltandLightKY.org
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Lee Corps - Tuesdays | 7 - 9 PM Upper Lobby
Lee Corps provides a youth led, adult facilitated, Christian cadet program to foster leadership and a love for Christ in our community’s youth, ages 12-18. They excel in leadership and military skills preparation with a Christian worldview to serve their country and communities through training in tactics and field training, Christian apologetics, marksmanship, physical conditioning, and much more.
Lee Corps is not associated with or a ministry of Salt & Light Church but uses our facilities for their weekly training and welcomes interested young people to attend. No registration required.
Younger youth are welcome if they can sit through and be engaged in the presentations.
For more information LeeCorps.org or contact LtCol (Ret) Michael Muller (270) 300-1571 _________________________________________________________
Serving Opportunities & Needs
Building Fund - $137,634 of the $200,000 due 12/31 has been given.
Thank you for prayerfully considering giving an offering toward the property purchase. Please memo your offerings “Building Fund”.
In 2021, when Salt & Light outgrew our former location, God provided the beautiful 71 acre property with a former horse auction facility and barn where we now gather as a church family.
We entered a lease to own agreement with a payment due December 31 of each year until the purchase is complete. Monthly rent and all improvements and repairs the church invests in the property is also credited toward the purchase.
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Children’s Ministry
Teachers for 4-6 year old class - 11a Sundays - God has sent many precious children to Salt & Light in recent weeks and they need teachers to share the gospel and Bible with them while their parents worship and learn in the Sanctuary service.
Music with the Children - if you are musically gifted, we would love for you to teach and sing Bible songs with the children twice each month or as you have time to share.
Substitute and Rotational Teachers are needed to fill in for 1 class or multiple weeks when regular teachers are unavailable or to give them a break for a month or so.
Special Needs - Volunteers are needed to serve as one-on-one buddies in class with children with special needs.
For More Details - text Jessica Walker 502-365-0839
Greet and Check-In children and their families to the nursery and their classes when they arrive on Sunday morning and/or Wednesday evening. Text Debbie Duvall 502-321-8798
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Salt & Light Academy
Classroom Build Supplies Needed - new classrooms have recently been constructed and a few items are needed to complete the project. If you have any of these items you could donate, know a donor, or would like to give money to purchase supplies, please see the listing of needed items here.
Questions contact Kurt Shelton 502-387-0960
Lunch & Recess Volunteers - Interact with and help the children to give the teachers a planning period. A background check is required. Email Michelle Elliott michelle.elliott@saltandlightacademy.com
Please continue to pray, promote, and support Salt and Light Academy. Your ongoing giving keeps the school fully funded and tuition-free, and every gift matters.
One-time or auto pay weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly donations may be made or set up online Here
Donations of needed supplies for classes and the office are greatly appreciated. You can view and give through our Amazon Wish List
Guns4Good Raffle - $20 per ticket
A parent-led fundraiser for Salt & Light Academy
4 guns will be individually awarded with first name drawn having first choice, second having second choice of the remaining guns, etc.
Purchase tickets at the front desk inside the main entrance during school hours or text Paul Thomas 502-480-7287
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Wednesday Dinner
Volunteers are needed to assist with food prep at Katie’s house in Shelbyville on Tuesday and/or Wednesday.
We don't need a weekly commitment, anything you can do to lend a hand will be greatly appreciated!
Contact Katie Anasis by call or text 937-441-4225. Thanks so much!
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Food Pantry - Food Stamps did not receive funds on Nov 1 so the need is greater, giving us an opportunity to meet needs in the name of Christ, share the gospel, and pray with those we serve.
FAQs
The Food Pantry is located off campus in Ballardsville/Crestwood.
People are seen by appointment only, there are not set hours.
The Pantry is open to ANYONE AND EVERYONE! You do not need to be a member or attend S&L.
We are a ministry that serves a physical need as well as spiritual. We pray with everyone and share the gospel.
Donations can be brought to church for Wednesday or Sunday services.
Mark items with “Food Pantry” and take them to the coffee bar. Please ask that perishable items be Refrigerated or Frozen.
If you want to make a large donation of food, please text Courtney Day 502-648-5447 and someone can meet you at the pantry.
The pantry has a freezer and two refrigerators, and plenty of shelf space for non-perishable items. Bring all the food, we have space for it!
Thank you for donating and praying for this ministry!
If you know someone in need of food, please encourage them to text Courtney Day 502-648-5447 for an appointment to shop in the pantry.
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Salt & Light Library
Open Sundays 8:30 - 11 AM and 15 min after service
Wednesdays 5 - 7 PM and 15 min after service
Volunteers needed! Contact Sharon Holbert at 502-235-6687
Book Donations appreciated — view our wishlist:
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Production Team
Slides, sound, cameras — no experience needed, we will train you!
Volunteers needed for Sunday morning and Wednesday night services.
A member of the production team is involved in practice for a community play and cannot run slides on Wednesday evenings for the month of October. If you could help, they will train you and greatly appreciate the help to make services run smoothly.
Email: Production@SaltandLightKy.org
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Family Communication Board
We have a bulletin board on the wall above the giving box, across from the Connection Point area, for you to post needs you would be blessed to receive and shares you would like to give.
Freely Receive - If you have a need - a service or item or a friend to do something with - please post it on the side of the board labeled “Freely Receive”.
Freely Give – when you have something to give - a lawn mower that still works, furniture you aren't using, a willingness to serve by sharing a skill or some spare time - please post on the side of the board labeled “Freely Given”.
Note papers are in the basket to write your give and receive notes to post on the board.
This is not a buy, sell, or trade board, but a family sharing board.
The only money that should be exchanged would be a paycheck if you are offering to hire someone.
Check our new family sharing board often, there may be a message that will be a blessing for you!!
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Care Ministry
If you are in need of care (hospital, long-term facility, homebound), contact Salt & Light 502-265-6828
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Stay Connected – Join Our Facebook Groups
Stay encouraged and connected!
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Have an Announcement of an Event or Volunteer Need?
Please email new submissions by Monday each week to Marie Long at Long12686@gmail.com
Thanks for helping us keep everything clear and timely!